By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 13: The second edition of the two-day Tri-Hills Ensemble is set to be held on the 24th and 25th of November, informed Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Arts and Culture Department, on Monday. Rooted in nature and connected in culture, the festival aims to bring the uniqueness of the three tribes of the state on to a single platform for the visitors to immerse themselves in the rich and vibrant culture of the state, and also serve as a bridge between the past and the modern generation.
Tri Hills symbolising the three hills of Khasis, Jaintias and Garos and alos rooted in the word, ‘tribal’ will have Nambi Marak, who has gone and made her name in MasterChef as a tribal chef using indigenous ingredients and cuisines. The Tri Hills ensemble will also have Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma as the Chief Guest wherein there will be a display of various cultural performances including dances that have never made it to public platforms. The programme will also Include a musical presentation for freedom fighter U Tirot Sing.
Kharkongor, addressing media persons said that this will be a part of the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas, which will be flagged off on the November 15, will continue to be a weeklong celebration of tribal pride across the country. The day holds significance as the birthday of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. The Jan Jatiya Gurav Diwas will be flagged by the Chief Secretary, DP Wahlang following which there will be a floral tribute to Meghalaya’s brave hearts wherein Paul Lyngdoh, Minister, Department of Arts and Culture, will serve as the Chief Guest, and Pyniaid Sing Syiem, Chief Executive Member, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council will be the Guest of Honour. The second day that is the November 16 will witness a presentation of cultural dances that have not been seen in public platforms, in collaboration with Shankar Dev College, he informed.
“We are familiar with the dominant cultural dances, different and unique, however, there are several songs and dances that never make it out of the villages, we are putting them out here,” he added. The Arts and Culture department will recognize six more villages for their unique crafts and culture in a bid to provide them with visibility and brand them, in continuation to six villages that were recognised last year. The villages that will be recognised this year are – Nongkynrih, Mustoh, Ialong, Babadam and Wahkhen.
Kharkongor also said that in continuation of last year’s recognition of six villages, the department has proposed to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to enhance skilled training and infrastructure in these villages for improved livelihoods.